A special thank you to the USO

The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation at hundreds of locations worldwide.The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

and a moment of reflection to those who sacrificed and are being sacrificed for our freedom.

May, national Foster Care month

When Jason called us a few months back we initially thought it was a prank call. He kept us on the call because we listen with the heart. He wanted to move in with one of our single moms (as in a brother relationship to share expenses with a family). He had aged out of Foster Care. He had endured more than a dozen foster homes and now he had no place to go, no family, and the 20hr a week min wage job would not pay for even a rat hole apartment, let alone furniture, food, transportation, and utilities. The male volunteer who took the call and gave him options said it was heartbreaking.

We also took a call from a 18year old pregnant girl in another part of the country. When she aged out of Foster Care, she "couch surfed" while working as a waitress in a diner. She had to quit when she was eight months pregnant. We asked her about family; she said her mother did not want her, she never knew her father, and the boy who got her pregnant got another girl pregnant at the same time and was unable to help her.
Both callers were very humble, sincere, polite, and desperate.
Since those two are sanitized experiences with kids given up for a "better life" you can only imagine what the real picture looks like.
Don't look away as if it were not your business.
Everybody can do something.

http://www.childrensrights.org/our-kids/fostering-the-future/2016/

How you can help?

Since we are a free resource referral service, many volunteers do sporadic research.  Think young mothers with little life experience, in survival mode.
We currently need help in finding nationwide, state specific resources, to bridge the gap between families who can afford health insurance through their employers, and the ones not making enough money to afford the "affordable care plan".

This is all we have as of right now by zip code:
http://www.affordable-health-insurance-plans.org
(802) 242-0782

Here is something else everyone can participate in.
We give back 110% of everything that comes in.

You can increase your organization's donation potential by spreading the word about AmazonSmile. Sign in to http://org.amazon.com and click on Marketing Tools to access customized online tools to let your supporters know that their AmazonSmile shopping can support Call Mom Inc. Here are several tactics that have been successful for participating organizations.

Share this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/61-1551583 and ask your donors, volunteers, employees, and friends to bookmark this link so all their eligible shopping will benefit Call Mom Inc.
Send an email: In your next email newsletter to supporters, promote your AmazonSmile participation and include the link above.
Copy and paste this message in a Facebook post: When you #StartWithaSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Call Mom Inc. Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/61-1551583 and support us every time you shop.
Copy and paste this message in a Tweet: Amazon donates to Call Mom Inc when you shop @AmazonSmile. http://smile.amazon.com/ch/61-1551583 #YouShopAmazonGives

Thank you!

waky waky church... get it?

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matt 16:18)

¹⁵ When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
¹⁷ The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
(John 21:15-17)

I am pretty sure that Jesus was not just making conversation at the last supper.  I am pretty sure that His words rank higher than any other authors we might find cool to quote... and, I am pretty sure, that Love is meant to be an action and not just feel good reading/preaching material. Why then are we still having moms and their children who make the news?

update:http://www.ky3.com/content/news/murder-charge-kimberly-lightwine-392455991.html

SE networking event, childcare provided

this Saturday, May 21st at 5:00 PM in the Community Room.
Single moms, help starts at the grass roots location.
Everyone is welcome. Get to know each other and share resources.
Since every girl needs to sparkle, there will be a jewelry craft activity.

At 6:15 the kiddos join us in the Community Room 
for a delicious hot meal and time for more socializing.

Come expecting to get blessed.

depression or bipolar?

Have you ever been frustrated with another human being because they defied logic? My neighbor, a highly intelligent and accomplished lady, used to love to chitty chat on the porch with me. We reciprocated on projects, causes, yard work, maintenance items. The kids were welcome in either house for sleep overs, meals, birthday parties, etc. Eventually the visitation periods became shorter and the absences longer. She was avoiding me. I was very hurt and took it personal. Sometimes I pushed back. Respectfully we apologized to each other for misunderstandings, however, the roller coaster got so scary where we needed to part for the sake of my sanity. Months went by. I ran into her daughter at a store and inquired about my friend. She had been hospitalized and treated for bi-polar disorder. I was so deeply sorry that I expected her to be who she was unable to be... and kind of punished her for it. We don't know what we don't know.
(For the most part we know when we are being played and quit being a volunteer to cons we have insufficient history with.) How often are we unkind to someone who is not measuring up to our standards? Instead of justifying our attitude by playing God, Judge and Jury, maybe we could give someone the benefit of the doubt and give them a hands up.
If you have severe depression, contact the people on the link below. It was sent by a mom who suffered needlessly for a long time.

http://rehinge.com/contact/

Great Deal for Austin SNAPers

GREEN GATE FARMS
Farm Stand OPEN:
Tues, 3-6; Fri/Sat, 10-2 
8310 Canoga Avenue
Austin 78724
(near Decker Lane/FM 969)

 Credit Cards/Cash/SNAP/WIC/Checks

Green Gate Farms believes that healthy, organic food should be accessible to everyone. And our participation with Sustainable Food Center's Double Dollar Program is one way we do this. Our SNAP customers are able to double their purchases at our Farm Stand at no additional cost (thanks to private donations). SNAP purchases can be matched dollar for dollar up to $20 on organic, farm-fresh produce. 

Vacation Bible School aka Summer Camp

Towards the end of the school year we have many requests for referrals to VBS and churches who offer aftercare as well to allow latch key children wholesome socializing, a safe environment on a budget that single moms can afford.
The sample below is comprehensive. The dates are as diverse as fees and locations, however, many churches are tailoring and evolving their programs to the needs of the community at no, or a minimal cost to you.
CALL MOM is offering scholarships again this year if a fee is charged at your location and you meet the requirements.
Summer Camp at your local Y(MCA) is offered at a sliding fee as well. Swimming Pools there have life guards in addition to camp counselors for the kids.
Several locations have Farm programs where children can learn in an environment that is wholesome and fun. Who would not want to be in a petting zoo for several days?

As a final note.... pass on the gift to a mom who is in survival mode.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/lhc-kids-vacation-bible-school-2016-registration-19050516608
San Antonio, TX:  http://www.sacornerstone.org/events/event-description/?id=3260

new to Austin, TX?

http://do512family.com/2016/05/austin-family-events-174/

Happy Mothers Day Recognition

To all the "mothers" who stepped in the gap when biological mothers were overwhelmed to carry the load of responsibility alone.

To grandmothers, aunts, neighbors, co-workers who showed kindness to single mothers who were struggling keeping the family together.

To mothers who's heart got pierced when children died, moved away, got in trouble, became greedy, lost their way, failed to thrive, became heartless.

To mothers who were disrespected by men in the family who made it a templet for offspring on how to (mis)treat women.

To all the mothers who are keeping the faith, that by the Grace of God, justice will prevail, and their prayers will be answered.

 

https://youtu.be/BpzK-c9Jxeg

 

Stand regal!

you will be showered with blessings.



 

good, bad or ugly... we are celebrating Mothers Day

Mother’s Day Open House

Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8

Join us for our most anticipated annual tradition! Celebrate this special weekend with grilled hot dogs, fresh popcorn, and refreshments, compliments of the Tagawa Family in appreciation of our wonderful community! Make your Mother’s Day Weekend unforgettable with live music, gorgeous flowers, and great people!

 

Woodbelly Bluegrass Band Saturday, May 7; 10:00am-12:00pm

Start your Mother’s Day Weekend with the lively, foot-tapping music and vocals of this five-piece bluegrass band!

Cruisin’ Cats Saturday, May 7; 2:00-4:00pm

Enjoy the danceable sounds of the oldies with the great harmonies and guitar work of the Cruisin’ Cats!

 

A respectful nod, and thank you, to Mr. Tagawa and his family